The Tasmanian Greens today launched their election campaign with three major policy initiatives.
Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim spoke at the launch about the tremendous momentum enjoyed by the campaign.
The Greens are remain upbeat about the possibility of winning a second seat in Denison.
Mr McKim spoke about how Tasmanian is on the cusp of something remarkable and how the Greens are the only party offering Tasmanians leadership and a positive, future-focussed vision for the future of their great State.
Riverline:
Greens Leader Nick McKim announced that the Greens will build the Riverline light rail proposal, which would run from the Hobart CBD to MONA in Berridale.
“Riverline is nation building, transformational infrastructure which will create hundreds of construction jobs and see massive benefits to the Tasmanian economy,” Mr. McKim said.
“Riverline will boost productivity, decrease traffic congestion, improve air quality and decrease carbon emissions.”
“The project would also provide a boost to the local economy of the northern suburbs of Hobart by increasing property values and encouraging infill development.”
“This is true Green infrastructure, and the benefits will be felt for generations of Tasmanians.”
Brand Tasmania:
Greens Leader Nick McKim also announced plans to boost funding to revitalise Brand Tasmania by $12.2 million, which would invest $9.2m in marketing existing and emerging Tasmanian brands to the world.
“We have set a target of 10 000 new high value jobs created in primary industries and downstream processing within ten years driven by this strategy.”
“Tasmania has a unique brand and we are uniquely placed to aggressively and strategically market our world class products into targeted global markets,” Mr McKim said.
“We already know that the world is willing to pay for Tasmania’s world class produce. With this massive boost in funding for a carefully targeted marketing campaign we believe we can drive the creation of ten thousand jobs in the next decade.”
“This investment is about building on the success Tasmania’s produce and products have already enjoyed in national and global markets.”
“We can be proud of our world class products. We are already exporting truffles to France and tulips to Holland, fine wine to Europe and seafood delicacies to Asia.”
Preventative Health:
Greens leader Nick McKim today also announced an investment of $13m over four years to significantly improve preventative healthcare in Tasmania.
“The key to succeeding in reducing rates of illness such as heart disease, diabetes, lung cancer and obesity is investing in preventative health,” Mr McKim said.
“The Greens want to improve the wellbeing of our people and have set a target of Tasmania becoming the healthiest state in the nation by 2030.”
“We know that it is essential to take a holistic approach to healthcare and that means working across the community and finding ways to encourage people to make healthier lifestyle decisions.”
“This policy includes community grants to organisations to deliver preventative health and wellbeing programs in the community.”
“It also includes funding for an anti-tobacco program, with a target of lowering Tasmania’s smoking rates from 21.7% to 15%, which could save over $14m annually from our acute care system.”
“In the long term, this will prolong lives, increase the quality of life of our people, decrease the burden on acute healthcare services and reduce surgery waiting times.”
“The policy also includes $2m per year for independent support packages for people living with disabilities.”
